Lone Four Tops Member Sued

Over the last 13 years, [lastfm]the Four Tops[/lastfm] have become one, as the only original member of the group still with us is [lastfm]Abdul “Duke” Fakir[/lastfm]. As such, he’s been the proprietor of the business side of the band’s legacy. But the surviving family members of one of Fakir’s bandmates are now suing the Top over business practices.

According to a lawsuit filed by Tobi Walker and Eboni Benson, the daughters of the late-[lastfm]Renaldo “Obie” Benson[/lastfm], Fakir has not been collecting the money owed to Four Tops LLC, the corporation set up to collect royalties and other payments. Also, the ownership of Four Tops LLC is in question, with there being some doubt as to whether the heirs of the late [lastfm]Levi Stubbs[/lastfm] and [lastfm]Lawrence Payton[/lastfm] ever officially became owners of the company which was supposed to have 25 percent held by each of the original members or their heirs.

The suit is asking for $25,000 in payment and the closing of the company. What that would mean for the band’s royalties is in question.

“We don’t want him to stop performing,” Walker said. “No, not at all. That’s part of all of our legacy. We just want things done fairly for all four families.”

As we grow older, it’s tough to watch money get in the way of what should be friendships, isn’t it? Just remember the music…